HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3909.50 – Polyurethanes; in primary forms
HS code 3909.50 is the 6-digit subheading for polyurethanes, in primary forms. It is used for polyurethane prepolymers, polyurethane dispersions, thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) granules, polyurethane powders and polyurethane liquid resins.
What HS 3909.50 covers
This HS code specifically covers polyurethanes in their primary forms, which include liquids, pastes, powders, granules, and flakes. Polyurethanes are incredibly versatile polymers, synthesized from isocyanates and polyols, and are essential components in a vast array of products. They are traded globally to serve downstream industries like construction (insulation), automotive (seating, interior parts), footwear (soles), and furniture (foams). Key things to know are their adaptability to produce flexible foams, rigid foams, elastomers, coatings, adhesives, and sealants, making them indispensable across diverse sectors. International trade is driven by continuous innovation and demand for lightweight, durable, and energy-efficient materials, with chemical manufacturers being the primary exporters to global manufacturing hubs.
- Covers
- Polyurethane prepolymers
- Polyurethane dispersions
- Thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) granules
- Polyurethane powders
- Polyurethane liquid resins
- Polyurethane elastomers
- Polyurethane adhesives
- Examples
- Covestro Desmodur/Desmopan
- BASF Elastollan/Lupranol
- Dow VORANOL/PAPI
- Huntsman Rubinate/Suprasec
Codes often confused with 3909.50
Common mistake. Often confused with the isocyanate precursors like MDI (390931) or TDI (292910) if not fully reacted, or with finished polyurethane articles (e.g., foam sheets in 3921, footwear components in Chapter 64).
Top exporters and importers of HS code 390950, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 390950 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 8.1% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $1.4B 19% of world exports
- 2 China $1.1B 14% of world exports
- 3 United States $855M 11% of world exports
World total: $7.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $597M 8.1% of world imports
- 2 United States $534M 7.3% of world imports
- 3 Germany $481M 6.6% of world imports
World total: $7.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM codes for 3909.50 5
Brazil splits HS 3909.50 into 5 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 3909.50.1 In the forms provided for in Note 6 (a) to this ChapterNas formas previstas na Nota 6 a) deste Capítulo Group
- 3909.50.11 Polyurethane solutions in organic solventsSoluções em solventes orgânicos
- 3909.50.12 Polyurethane aqueous dispersionsEm dispersão aquosa
- 3909.50.19 Other polyurethanes, liquid or paste formsOutros
- 3909.50.2 In the forms provided for in Note 6 (b) to this ChapterNas formas previstas na Nota 6 b) deste Capítulo Group
- 3909.50.21 Hydroxylated adhesive polyurethanes, solid formsHidroxilados, com propriedades adesivas
- 3909.50.29 Other polyurethanes, solid bulk formsOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 39.09 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 3909.50
What is HS code 390950?
HS code 390950 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Polyurethanes; in primary forms. This HS code specifically covers polyurethanes in their primary forms, which include liquids, pastes, powders, granules, and flakes. Polyurethanes are incredibly versatile polymers, synthesized from isocyanates and polyols, and are essential components in a vast array of products. They are traded globally to serve downstream industries like construction (insulation), automotive (seating, interior parts), footwear (soles), and furniture (foams). Key things to know are their adaptability to produce flexible foams, rigid foams, elastomers, coatings, adhesives, and sealants, making them indispensable across diverse sectors. International trade is driven by continuous innovation and demand for lightweight, durable, and energy-efficient materials, with chemical manufacturers being the primary exporters to global manufacturing hubs.
What products fall under HS code 390950?
Polyurethane prepolymers, Polyurethane dispersions, Thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) granules, Polyurethane powders, Polyurethane liquid resins, Polyurethane elastomers, Polyurethane adhesives
What are common misclassifications for HS code 390950?
Often confused with the isocyanate precursors like MDI (390931) or TDI (292910) if not fully reacted, or with finished polyurethane articles (e.g., foam sheets in 3921, footwear components in Chapter 64).
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 390950?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 390950 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($1.4B, 19% of world exports), China ($1.1B) and the United States ($855M). World exports came to about $7.4B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 390950?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 390950 in UN Comtrade data were China ($597M, 8.1% of world imports), the United States ($534M) and Germany ($481M). World imports came to about $7.3B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 390950 structured?
HS code 390950 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (39) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (09) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (50) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 390950?
Brazil splits HS code 390950 into 5 NCM codes: 3909.50.11 (Polyurethane solutions in organic solvents), 3909.50.12 (Polyurethane aqueous dispersions), 3909.50.19 (Other polyurethanes, liquid or paste forms), 3909.50.21 (Hydroxylated adhesive polyurethanes, solid forms), 3909.50.29 (Other polyurethanes, solid bulk forms). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.